The Prime Minister's announcement today that the
local elections are to be delayed until 7 June is the right decision, says the
NFU.

NFU President Ben Gill said many farmers would find the new date more
acceptable than 3 May.

He said that the key focus of both farmers and the tourist industry alike is
stamping out foot and mouth.

He said: "Our priority remains to rein in this disease. We are beginning
to see some improvements in the control of foot and mouth disease but there is
still a very long way to go.

"While national attention has been focussed on Cumbria and Devon, I am
particularly worried about the areas of Durham, Gloucestershire and the West
Midlands where it is vital that an improvement in disease control is achieved
quickly.

"It is vital is that nothing detracts from the campaign to fight foot and
mouth."